“ We have maintained our outstanding success of last year with 97% of students achieving 3+ A*-C grades or equivalent at A Level. 28 of these students achieved 3 or more A*/A grades.

“Our girls are focused on their studies, they work in an atmosphere of trust and confidence with their teachers and their parents support them. These are the factors that have contributed to their achievements.”

She added that while these results are an affirmation of the school’s academic success, a key focus of a Thornhill College education “will always reflect the founding ethos of developing the whole person.”

“We wish all our girls God’s blessing on this new and exciting phase of their lives,” she said.

At Foyle College it was smiles all round as A-Level pupils received their results.

This year 79% of pupils achieved 3 or more A* - C grades, an increase of 5% on last year.

The school said it would like to wish it’s leavers all the very best in their future courses and careers.

Across the north those who achieved the overall pass rate of A*- E grades increased by 0.1% to 98.2% this year.

Derry Sinn Féin Education spokesperson Councillor Patricia Logue said it was important students knew they had options no matter what results they received.

“To those students who do not get the results they had hoped for or were unable to secure a university place, I would like them to know that there are many other avenues for them to explore and that they shouldn’t give up.

“There are alternatives to the academic route and the time may now be right for them to focus on their strengths and talents.”